Core i5-3350P vs Core i5-6400T

Intel

Core i5-3350P

4 Cores4 Thrd69 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-6400T

4 Cores4 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2015
Similar parts
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Core i5-3350P vs Core i5-6400T Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-3350P vs Core i5-6400T FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-3350P vs Core i5-6400T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-3350P

2012

Why buy it

  • Costs $3 less on MSRP ($189 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 6800% higher power demand at 69W vs 1W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6400T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-6400T.

Core i5-6400T

2015

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 69W, a 68W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD 530, while Core i5-3350P needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-3350P.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (4,243 vs 4,314).
  • 1.6% HIGHER MSRP
    $192 MSRPvs$189 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3350P better than Core i5-6400T?
Yes. Core i5-3350P is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3350P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3350P is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-3350P is the better buy right now. Core i5-3350P comes in $3 cheaper on MSRP at $189 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 3.3% better value on MSRP (22.8 vs 22.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-6400T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3350P vs Core i5-6400T Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i5-3350P

The Core i5-3350P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 69 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,314 points. Launch price was $292.

Intel

Core i5-6400T

The Core i5-6400T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,243 points. Launch price was $192.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3350P and Core i5-6400T share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3350P versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-6400T — a 16.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-3350P (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-3350P uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-6400T uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3350P scores 4,314 against the Core i5-6400T's 4,243 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i5-3350P. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3350P vs 6 MB on the Core i5-6400T.

FeatureCore i5-3350PCore i5-6400T
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.3 GHz+18%
2.8 GHz
Base Clock
3.1 GHz+41%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
6 MB
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1 MB+300%
Process
22 nm
14 nm-36%
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark
4,314+2%
4,243
Cinebench R23 Multi
2,200
Geekbench 6 Single
950
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,600
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3350P uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6400T uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-3350PCore i5-6400T
Socket
LGA1155
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3350P) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6400T). The Core i5-6400T includes integrated graphics (HD 530), while the Core i5-3350P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-6400T rivals Core i3-7100.

FeatureCore i5-3350PCore i5-6400T
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD 530
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3350P was priced at $189, while the Core i5-6400T came in at $192. On launch pricing ($189 vs $192), Core i5-3350P was $3 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3350P delivers 22.8 pts/$ vs 22.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-6400T — making the Core i5-3350P the 3.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-3350PCore i5-6400T
MSRP
$189-2%
$192
Performance per Dollar
22.8+3%
22.1
Release Date
2012
2015

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